Statement attributable to the UN Special Envoy for Yemen on recent events

There has been a sharp escalation of serious events in Sanaa and other governorates over the last 24 hours. We are deeply concerned by the implications of these events on the civilian population.

We urge the parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law including their obligations to respect the principle of distinction, proportionality and precaution. All sides must exercise restraint and ensure that their attacks are never directed at civilians or civilian objects. We caution against the serious impact of armed violence against civilians.

We call on the parties to urgently come to the negotiations table and to engage in the peace process. We reiterate our position that the political solution is the only way out of a prolonged conflict in Yemen.